Sancerre Chavignol La Grande Côte Paul Cotat 1990

La Grande Côte, from the renowned hamlet of Chavignol in the Sancerre appellation, is a pure expression of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The vines flourish on a steep, south-east-facing slope of Kimmeridgian marl, rich in marine fossils. Similar to those found in Chablis, these soils give the wine its hallmark minerality, saline precision and exceptional length. Harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, the grapes are vinified using traditional methods: gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation in vats and seasoned big barrels, without added yeasts or fining. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for around 12 months before being bottled unfiltered.
In the glass, the pale yellow hue is lifted by silvery glints. The complex nose combines aromas of white flowers and lemon with a subtle hint of aniseed. Broad and beautifully structured on the palate, the wine is driven by finely judged acidity, leading to a long, saline finish.